Final Thoughts: The Toronto Raptors are looking to break out of a patchy run of form and stay in contention for the Eastern Conference title. The LA Lakers’ Western Conference playoffs bid is rapidly running out of time.

The 48-20 Raptors lost just once in February, but have lost three of their last five. Following back-to-back road wins over the Pelicans and Heat, they were humbled 126-101 in Cleveland. Marc Gasol is currently filling injured big man Serge Ibaka’s spot, while Kyle Lowry and Danny Green are under a cloud for this game.

The 31-36 Lakers sit 11th in the West. They broke out of a five-game slide with a 123-107 road win over the Bulls two days ago, with LeBron James racking up 36 points and 10 rebounds.

After winning just eight of the first 36 clashes between the teams, the Raptors are on an eight-game winning streak against the Lakers.

Each victory was by at least nine points, including a 121-107 result in LA earlier this season. Kawhi Leonard missed the game, but Ibaka went off for 34 points and 10 rebounds, while Lowry had 21 points, 15 assists and six rebounds.

Kyle Kuzma top-scored for the Lakers with 24 points, with LeBron posting just 18 points and two rebounds.

The Raptors are an eye-watering 27-7 at home this season but have lost two of their last four in Toronto. The Lakers are a dismal 13-20 on the road, winning only one of their last six away.

The Lakers just haven’t shown enough lately to inspire any confidence in getting behind them.

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